Royal Caribbean International’s CEO Michael Bayley has shortlisted seven potential names for the fourth Chief Dog Officer set to join Hero of the Seas when the Icon-class vessel debuts in summer 2027, inviting cruise enthusiasts to weigh in before making his final selection.
The naming campaign began on 6th August 2026, when Bayley turned to Facebook to solicit suggestions from fans for the female golden retriever who would serve aboard the cruise line’s newest flagship. After receiving hundreds of submissions, the options have been narrowed to Hero, Scout, Marina, Pearl, Coco, Coral, and Sandy.
In a follow-up post on 28th August, Bayley opened voting to the public, writing: “We have now narrowed down the names to the list below based on likes of all the names. So voting is open for the final round before it goes to the distinguished panel of judges (me) for the final decision.”
Passionate Debate Emerges Among Cruise Enthusiasts
The announcement sparked immediate and spirited discussion within Royal Caribbean’s social media community. Within the first eight hours of posting, Bayley’s Facebook message garnered over 1,200 comments as cruisers shared their preferences and reasoning.
Some commenters raised practical concerns about certain options. Several fans noted that naming the dog Hero could create confusion, as she would share her name with the ship itself. Others pointed out similar issues with Coco, which bears a striking resemblance to CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas.
A considerable contingent rallied behind Scout, arguing it would complement the nautical theme established by the previous Icon-class Chief Dog Officers: Rover aboard Icon of the Seas, Sailor aboard Star of the Seas, and Skipper aboard Legend of the Seas. The name maintains the maritime tradition whilst offering a distinct identity.
Heartfelt Tribute Proposal Gains Momentum
A significant number of commenters suggested an addition to the shortlist that wasn’t among the original seven finalists. Many fans proposed the name Dolly as a tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton, who passed away on 25th August 2026, just three days before Bayley’s voting post.
The spontaneous groundswell of support for this alternative demonstrates the emotional connection Royal Caribbean’s community feels toward both the Chief Dog Officer programme and broader cultural moments. However, Bayley has not indicated whether write-in candidates will be considered or if the selection will remain limited to the seven official finalists.
The CEO has not announced an official closing date for the voting period, nor has he revealed when passengers can expect to learn the chosen name. This approach mirrors Royal Caribbean’s strategy with previous Chief Dog Officer announcements, which have often built anticipation through extended engagement campaigns.
The Evolution Of Royal Caribbean’s Chief Dog Off
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